|
Dear Alexander,
I am a great granddaughter to James
Kelly born June 10, 1859, and died March 9, 1939. As a 10 year
old he emigrated to Kansas and is listed in the Scotch Valley write-up.
Then in 1901 he came to Alberta, Canada, bringing his family of 10
(little Agnes was buried in Scotch Valley) in 1902.. Another baby,
Nellie, was born in Alberta. (Nellie was midwife at my birth.)
James and his family farmed, but he was not a farmer at heart, was known
for his work as a minister and was known as Preacher Kelly. In 1913 he
received special ordination and then was officially the Reverend James
Kelly, but still fondly called preacher Kelly. He served for 32 years
prior to retiring in 1934 at the age of 74. He died 3 months prior to
his 80th birthday.
My birth occurred 3 weeks prior to his death. My parents attended his
funeral and I have visited his gravesite a number of times. One of the
many churches in which he preached, one that he started, is where I
first attended church. It still stands today.
I have vague recollections of great grandma Ellen and some of the older
children, and certainly remember a number of the others much more
clearly. My grandmother was Alice, the firstborn of the twins.
I have been trying since last summer to make a listing of the
descendents of Rev. James Kelly, 10 of the 12 having issue. I certainly
have enjoyed meeting many of the second and third cousins. I have much
work yet to do.
For some time now I have been corresponding with Shannon E Kelly, since
his great grandfather John Kelly was the older brother to my great
grandfather James Kelly. Sister Agnes Kelly married David Fisher (of the
Fishers Three in Scotch Valley), and they too came to this same part of
Alberta, Canada.
I have been keenly interested in your website and will continue to
follow it and search for some answers.
Sincerely, Gloria Cathcart
|
Sion United Church (formerly Presbyterian)
Rev. James Kelly started
the church and pastored here -
The Kelly's moved to Sion in 1922.
Rev. James and Ellen Kelly's gravesite at Sion Cemetery
Photos taken in the summer of 2000
Supplied by Gloria Cathcart. June 2004.
Email gandgcathcart@shaw.ca
|